New Bond between Lifeline Canberra and Canberra Raiders launched

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The Canberra Raiders, in their continued vision to best support the Raiders players and supporter community, will be embarking on a new partnership with Lifeline Canberra to raise awareness and offer support in mental health. Central to this partnership will be a committed focus on women and gender issues in the community.

Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson said that this is one of the most significant steps forward in changing attitudes towards mental health and crisis support in our community. “Experience shows that, overwhelmingly, men aged between 15 and 44 years of age are at highest risk of suicide. Stigma and fear prevent people in need from seeking help, Lifeline are dedicated to removing this barrier.”

Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner says he is proud to be aligned with an organisation that has been a pillar of support for 45 years in Canberra, providing crisis support and suicide prevention services 24/7 to hundreds of thousands of people.

The rate of suicide in Canberra (where we lose one Canberran every 9 days) is something that has made this partnership so important to Mr Furner. “If we know that through our support we are able to work together and help save lives then we know we have done the best for our community.”

Player Sia Soliola, who is the Raiders’ State of Mind Ambassador for the NRL, agrees with Mr Furner. He has chosen to be a State of Mind Ambassador to encourage people who need help to seek the services of charities such as Lifeline Canberra. “If my involvement means I can get more people talking to each other when they have problems, then I feel like I’m doing my job as a State of Mind Ambassador”.

The partnership will kick off with an exciting launch event prior to the 12 March Round 2 game.

“Lifeline Canberra will be launching our 10th annual Women of Spirit Awards at a meaningful function in the Members Lounge at GIO Stadium.” said Ms Leeson.

The Women of Spirit Awards is an incredible platform to recognise women in our community and surrounds, who have survived significant adversity only to turn around and give back to the community.

Previous Women of Spirit Award Recipient, Jenni Tarrant is now the major sponsor of the Bond Hair Religion Women of Spirit Awards. Jenni is an advocate of Lifeline Canberra and feels this is her chance to give back to the community.

Last year’s award recipient for the Rising Woman of Spirit category, Sarah Mamalai will be there as a special guest to speak about what the awards meant to her, along with Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson, Bond Hair Religion representative and a number of key Lifeline Canberra staff who will all be engaging with the community at the event.

More information:

2016 Women of Spirit Awards Launch: From 1pm to 2:45pm at the Canberra Raiders home game on Saturday, 12 March; anyone in the community can join the event by paying a $20 cover charge, which will entitle guests to canapes and a free drink, along with Lifeline Canberra merchandise. There will be a lucky door prize for one lucky guest. Please note the cover charge is in addition to purchasing ground entry.

Lifeline Canberra will have volunteers around the ground on the day and we ask that people make a donation for our 13 11 14 crisis support and suicide prevention service in the local community.

Tickets are to be purchased at the West Lounge Lifeline Canberra marquee prior to entering the event on the day. There will be limited tickets available on the day. Get in early on the day to avoid disappointment.